The Shawarma Wrap from Uni Kebab features tender, spiced marinated meat layered with fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and tangy garlic sauce, all wrapped in a warm, soft pita bread for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Grill or Rotisserie
- Slicing Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Sauce Bottle or Ladle
- Serving Tray or Plate
- Pita Bread Warmer or Pan
- Vegetable Chopper (optional for tomatoes/lettuce)
- Meat Thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or beef/lamb slices
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 4 large pita breads
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Using boneless chicken thighs or beef/lamb slices ensures tender, juicy meat for your shawarma wrap. Marinate the meat with plain yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper for authentic flavor. Fresh tomatoes and shredded lettuce add crispness, while the garlic sauce made from garlic cloves, mayonnaise, plain yogurt, lemon juice, and salt offers tangy richness. Warm pita breads enhance softness and allow easy wrapping of all ingredients. You can recreate the Shawarma Wrap from Uni Kebab by carefully balancing these spices and ingredients for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken thighs or beef/lamb slices to the marinade; mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat grill or rotisserie to medium-high heat.
- Grill or roast marinated meat until cooked through and nicely charred, using a meat thermometer if needed to check doneness.
- Remove meat from heat; let rest for 5 minutes.
- Thinly slice the cooked meat using a sharp slicing knife.
- Chop tomatoes and shred lettuce using vegetable chopper or knife.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt to make garlic sauce; transfer to a sauce bottle or ladle.
- Warm pita bread in a pita warmer or on a pan until soft and pliable.
- Lay out pita breads on a serving tray or plate.
- Layer each pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and sliced shawarma meat.
- Drizzle with garlic sauce.
- Wrap pita around filling, securing wrap if needed.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Shawarma Wrap from Uni Kebab copycat menu can be customized by substituting the traditional chicken thighs with beef or lamb slices to suit your taste or dietary preferences. If you lack a rotisserie or grill, cooking the marinated meat in a hot skillet or oven broiler works well without sacrificing flavor. Fresh tomatoes and lettuce add crunch and freshness; however, you can use pre-packaged salad mixes or roasted vegetables if fresh produce is unavailable. The garlic sauce can be adjusted by replacing mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, maintaining its tangy creaminess. Warming the pita bread in a pan or microwave ensures softness, enhancing the wrap's overall texture for your enjoyment.
Tips
Marinate your meat for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal, to ensure deep flavor penetration and tender texture. Always preheat your grill or rotisserie to medium-high heat for even cooking and a perfect char. Use a sharp slicing knife to cut the rested meat thinly, which helps maintain juiciness and enhances the wrap's texture. Warm the pita bread until soft and pliable, preventing it from cracking as you wrap; your shawarma will be much easier to handle and enjoy.
Nutritions
The Shawarma Wrap from Uni Kebab offers a balanced nutritional profile rich in protein from marinated chicken thighs or beef/lamb slices, which supports muscle repair and growth. Fresh tomatoes and shredded lettuce provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that aid digestion and boost immunity. The garlic sauce made with mayonnaise and yogurt adds healthy fats and probiotics, contributing to heart health and gut balance. You can enjoy this wrap as a satisfying meal that combines macronutrients and micronutrients in one delicious package.
Storage
Store leftover shawarma meat separately in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Wrap pita bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to two days to preserve softness. Your prepared vegetables and garlic sauce should be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator and consumed within three days for optimal quality.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute chicken thighs with boneless turkey breast or firm tofu for a leaner or vegetarian option. Instead of grilling, try pan-searing the marinated meat or tofu in a cast-iron skillet to get a crispy crust while retaining juiciness. Swap out the traditional garlic sauce for a spicy harissa mayo or a tahini-based dressing to add a different flavor dimension. You might also consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pita bread to cater to dietary preferences while maintaining wrap integrity.
Allergies
The Shawarma Wrap contains common allergens such as dairy from plain yogurt and mayonnaise, as well as gluten from pita bread. You should be cautious if you have milk or gluten allergies, since these ingredients could trigger reactions. Additionally, the wrap includes spices like garlic and cumin, which might cause sensitivity in some individuals.
Why this recipe?
The Shawarma Wrap menu from Uni Kebab restaurant is beloved for its authentic Middle Eastern spices, tender marinated meat, and fresh vegetables wrapped in warm, soft pita bread. Its unique blend of garlic sauce and pickled vegetables creates a perfect balance of flavors that satisfy your cravings for a flavorful, hearty meal. Making a copycat version at home allows you to customize ingredients to your taste while enjoying a healthier, cost-effective alternative. You will appreciate how replicating this popular dish brings the vibrant, street-food experience directly to your kitchen.